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Docomomo International Conferences

Every two years, Docomomo holds an International Conference for the Working Parties and their members. The conference serves as an opportunity to inquire into a theme that touches upon an important aspect of the Modern Movement. The conference is also a platform where specialists from all over the world can meet, exchange knowledge and make contacts.

Docomomo Suomi/Finland will host the 12th Docomomo International Conference in Espoo, Finland in 2012.The Survival of Modern - From Coffee Cup to PlanAugust 7-10, 2012

DATES TO REMEMBER:
July 25, 2011: call for papers
October 31, 2011: deadline for abstracts
December 15, 2011: notification of acceptance
March 1st, 2012: deadline first version full paper
April 10, 2012: deadline final version full paper
May 31, 2012: early registration endsAugust 2-7, 2012: workshop
August 7-10, 2012: conference
August 11-12, 2012: post-conference tours

During the first part of the 20th Century the city became the favored environment for Modern Architecture. The advancement of technology and the introduction of new materials that brought about a new form of expression were not the only triggers for transformation. Concerns of wellbeing such as hygiene, education, health and the right to work and recreation were also fundamental in shaping the new architectural design. As a response to these novel conditions, new architectural genres emerged within the framework of a diverse urban structure. The analysis of the elements that transformed the city and its architecture, evolve from this starting point, and the proposed program will include several sessions:

1. Modern Living
2. Civic and Social Infrastructure
3. The Modern City
4. Technology for a Modern Habitat
5. The University City

The Dutch chapter of Docomomo is honoured to host the 10th International Docomomo Conference with the general theme ‘The Challenge of Change’. The 2008 edition will mark the 20th anniversary of DOCOMOMO. The venue will be the Van Nelle factory in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This renowned Modern Movement icon will accommodate the conference programme of Parallel Paper and Case Study Presentations, Round-table Sessions, the 2nd edition of the International Docomomo Student Workshop and public evening lectures by distinguished invited speakers. Docomomo NL is pleased to announce that Herman Hertzberger and Barry Bergdoll have confirmed as keynote speakers. Pre- and postconference tours to Dutch MoMo buildings and other landmarks of Dutch architecture will also be part of the conference programme.

The Challenge of Change, Dealing with the Legacy of the Modern Movement: Theme Introduction

The legacy of the Modern Movement has gained legendary status, largely as a result of the appreciation of the masterworks and the visionary architectural concepts. In the reality of everyday life, however, it has been difficult to maintain the architectural creations of the Modern Movement in such a way that they still reflect the original intentions of their designers. Many buildings and ensembles of the Modern Movement have already been saved; the icons amongst these have even become so precious that they are treated like pieces of art rather than as buildings in everyday use. but despite the successes that have been achieved, many buildings and ensembles are still at risk of demoltion or maltreatment. The bi-annual international conference is one means by which it is possible to continue furthering the aims of Docomomo. Knowing that many modern architects aimed at functionality and changeability, the challenge for today is how to deal with the modern heritage in relation to its continuously changing context, including physical, econonmic and functional changes, as well as socio-cultural, political and scientific ones. It is with this in mind that conservation in general, and the conservation of modern architecture in particular, has become a new challenge. Rather than attempting to return a modern building to its presumed original state, our challenge is to revalue the essence of the manifold manifestations of modern architecture and redefine its meanings in our changing world of digital revolution, worldwide mobility and environmental awareness.

DOCOMOMO US Student Workshop Scholarship

DOCOMOMO US is pleased to offer a limited number of travel scholarships for full time students registered in historic preservation programs at US universities to participate in Docomomo's 10th International Design Conference and Student Workshop, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands:

The first student workshop was held during the 9th International Docomomo Conference in 2006 (Istanbul). The 2nd International Docomomo Student Workshop will be a design workshop. The chosen topic will be associated with the theme of the conference and will preferably be a threatened building or ensemble in Rotterdam or its environs. The total number of workshop participants is limited to 45 and will include students from a number of different countries.

Individuals enrolled as full time students in a historic preservation program at a US university are encouraged to apply. Please submit a personal letter of interest (750 words), a CV, and three references to:

2004 Conference: "International Postwar Modernism and the Conjunction of Preservation and Design"

DOCOMOMO US hosted the VIIIth International Conference, held in 2004 in New York City at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. The theme focused not only on the preservation of modern architecture that became an international phenomenon after World War II, but also sought to explain and enhance its meaning for contemporary architects during that period.